Community Forum

the_wisch · 09-27-2011, 07:50 PM

By Chris & Cara Wischhusen

My partner and I arrived at Riu Palace, Aruba on 22nd August 2011 having high expectations for what was to be our wedding and honeymoon destination. It was quickly apparent that our expectations had been exceeded and hence why we felt the need to sing its praises here.

We stayed at the Riu Palace and were truely amazed by the warm welcome and top class service we received during our stay.

On the second day we met with Abigael our wedding planner. After 12 mths of constant email correspondence and phone calls, every last detail had already been sorted and it was merely a welcome chat on arrival and everything was arranged for us. On the day of the wedding Abigael was on hand to help out with my wife getting into her dress to making sure our dinner arrangements were perfect... and it was.

We has Jason Margarita and his team take care of our photography and videography. He is a genuinely nice guy and his work speaks for itself... brilliant!

Once we settled into our honeymoon we enjoyed all the facilities from the huge pool, spa and numerous restaurants. Our favourite being the Steak House which was open sided on the beach and the 6.30pm reservation got you front row tickets to Aruba's beautiful sunsets. May I just take the opportunity to say a special "thank you" to Ingrid at that restaurant for making our wedding dinner exceptional and making that every effort to make us feel welcome at the Riu.

The all-inclusive service at the hotel was faultless. There wasn't a drink at the bar that you couldn't get and you were spoilt for choice, morning, noon and night for food in the restaurants. The quality of the food and service in all the restaurants was five star. In the Italian, Gourmet, Steakhouse and Japanese restaurants, the quality of the food and service matched (if not bettered) that of any of top end places that you are likely to find in the UK.

The resort surrounding Palm Beach has plenty to offer if you feel the need to venture out on an evening, shopping, bars and restaurants a plenty. The beaches are as you see in any of the brochures, white sands and turquoise waters. And if you like diving and snorkelling, the marine life is amazing (Sea Trek at De Palm Island is highly recommended.)

Although Palm Beach is beautiful, if you venture a mile further north and beyond, you can take your pick of quiet sandy coves, where you really do feel you have stepped foot on you own deserted island. No matter where you go on the island (an we saw it all via, boat, quad bike and car) all the locals are so friendly. We were helped out no end at the unfamiliar way that the petrol stations worked compared to the UK and we still cant get over the fact that whenever you wanted to cross the road, whether it was a quite little street or on a main road, the first car to drive past would stop and wave you across and give you a smile to go with it. You will probably hear that Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, with nowhere that is out of bounds. From our experience, we saw nothing that would go against that. We travelled all over the island and never once felt out of place or not welcome.

The weather in August was perfect. Mid 30's everyday and enough breeze to make it comfortable day and night, but not too windy to be annoying. We had one storm in two weeks that lasted a few hours, but had finished before breakfast and by 11am you would not have believed that a single rain drop had fallen. The only reason that we had a storm was due to hurricane Irene hitting the USA, the locals told us that storms on the island are a rarity.

If you are thinking of visiting Aruba, book now! you will not be disappointed. As far as the Riu Place is concerned, there isn't a single criticism; you are guaranteed to have a fabulous stay.

*Andrea J.* · 09-27-2011, 08:27 PM

glad to read a positive review of the riu and the planner and photographer!
it is always a pleasure to read positive reviews.

welcome to the aruba.com community forum.

leighfrompoole · 09-28-2011, 02:14 AM

What a lovely review, it brought a smile to my face. It will reassure my friend who is getting married there in a couple of weeks time. Congratulations : )

rettie2011 · 09-28-2011, 01:21 PM

Woo hoo! Too right leigh...

This time next week we will be at the pool bar!!

2 weeks tomorrow until our wedding!

Looking forward to returning to the riu ... Its been 2 years too long!

X

09-27-2011, 07:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
the_wisch Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 2	Dream Wedding and Honeymoon in Aruba By Chris & Cara Wischhusen My partner and I arrived at Riu Palace, Aruba on 22nd August 2011 having high expectations for what was to be our wedding and honeymoon destination. It was quickly apparent that our expectations had been exceeded and hence why we felt the need to sing its praises here. We stayed at the Riu Palace and were truely amazed by the warm welcome and top class service we received during our stay. On the second day we met with Abigael our wedding planner. After 12 mths of constant email correspondence and phone calls, every last detail had already been sorted and it was merely a welcome chat on arrival and everything was arranged for us. On the day of the wedding Abigael was on hand to help out with my wife getting into her dress to making sure our dinner arrangements were perfect... and it was. We has Jason Margarita and his team take care of our photography and videography. He is a genuinely nice guy and his work speaks for itself... brilliant! Once we settled into our honeymoon we enjoyed all the facilities from the huge pool, spa and numerous restaurants. Our favourite being the Steak House which was open sided on the beach and the 6.30pm reservation got you front row tickets to Aruba's beautiful sunsets. May I just take the opportunity to say a special "thank you" to Ingrid at that restaurant for making our wedding dinner exceptional and making that every effort to make us feel welcome at the Riu. The all-inclusive service at the hotel was faultless. There wasn't a drink at the bar that you couldn't get and you were spoilt for choice, morning, noon and night for food in the restaurants. The quality of the food and service in all the restaurants was five star. In the Italian, Gourmet, Steakhouse and Japanese restaurants, the quality of the food and service matched (if not bettered) that of any of top end places that you are likely to find in the UK. The resort surrounding Palm Beach has plenty to offer if you feel the need to venture out on an evening, shopping, bars and restaurants a plenty. The beaches are as you see in any of the brochures, white sands and turquoise waters. And if you like diving and snorkelling, the marine life is amazing (Sea Trek at De Palm Island is highly recommended.) Although Palm Beach is beautiful, if you venture a mile further north and beyond, you can take your pick of quiet sandy coves, where you really do feel you have stepped foot on you own deserted island. No matter where you go on the island (an we saw it all via, boat, quad bike and car) all the locals are so friendly. We were helped out no end at the unfamiliar way that the petrol stations worked compared to the UK and we still cant get over the fact that whenever you wanted to cross the road, whether it was a quite little street or on a main road, the first car to drive past would stop and wave you across and give you a smile to go with it. You will probably hear that Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, with nowhere that is out of bounds. From our experience, we saw nothing that would go against that. We travelled all over the island and never once felt out of place or not welcome. The weather in August was perfect. Mid 30's everyday and enough breeze to make it comfortable day and night, but not too windy to be annoying. We had one storm in two weeks that lasted a few hours, but had finished before breakfast and by 11am you would not have believed that a single rain drop had fallen. The only reason that we had a storm was due to hurricane Irene hitting the USA, the locals told us that storms on the island are a rarity. If you are thinking of visiting Aruba, book now! you will not be disappointed. As far as the Riu Place is concerned, there isn't a single criticism; you are guaranteed to have a fabulous stay. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook Melllowtones and Jason_Margarita like this. Last edited by the_wisch; 09-27-2011 at 07:51 PM. Reason: to add names

ADVERTISMENT

09-27-2011, 08:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
Andrea J. Aruba since 1979 Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: renaissance island, eagle beach, amsterdam manor/passions beach bar, Hung Paradis, alto vista chapel, madam janettes, big porch at B55 Posts: 13,254 Images: 80	glad to read a positive review of the riu and the planner and photographer! it is always a pleasure to read positive reviews. welcome to the aruba.com community forum. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook Jason_Margarita likes this. __________________ Please, I'll have a Grande' decaf Mocha Latte' with a shot of liquid tranquilizer.

09-28-2011, 02:14 AM	#3 (permalink)
leighfrompoole Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 44	What a lovely review, it brought a smile to my face. It will reassure my friend who is getting married there in a couple of weeks time. Congratulations : ) Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________

09-28-2011, 01:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
rettie2011 Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: More to explore! Posts: 61 Images: 1	Woo hoo! Too right leigh... This time next week we will be at the pool bar!! 2 weeks tomorrow until our wedding! Looking forward to returning to the riu ... Its been 2 years too long! X Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook leighfrompoole likes this.